February 20, 2025
Silja Bára R. Ómarsdóttir writes
The University of Iceland is one of the largest workplaces in the country. It brings together different people who together form a single whole. These people are of all genders, have diverse backgrounds, skin colors, body types, language skills, wishes and desires. They have expectations of developing their own knowledge and that of others within the university. But it has not always been that way.
The fact is that universities were founded by men in privileged positions for men in privileged positions. Fortunately, a lot has changed since universities were homogeneous institutions and they, like other schools, have undergone massive changes in a short period of time. Changes in the composition of the university community have been accompanied by challenges, as needs, perspectives and expectations have become more diverse. We need to face these challenges with humility and determination. Dare to listen to different perspectives, try to understand diverse needs, respect what we do not understand, learn from mistakes and thus develop both ourselves and the university community.
The University of Iceland is far from being equally accessible to all who attend it. Various obstacles exist, both material and immaterial. We need to help each other remove them, with all the tools and instruments available, and fortunately, there is expertise within the University in most relevant areas. Within the university, equal opportunities for undergraduate and graduate studies, advancement and career development need to be ensured, and equality in salary setting needs to be ensured. The processes that are in place to prevent and deal with bullying, harassment and violence need to be well publicized and trusted, psychological and social counselling services need to be strengthened, and flexibility in studies needs to be increased.
Staff and students at the University of Iceland have the right to be treated with respect regardless of their origin, body type, or gender, for example. Buildings should be accessible, and so should the community. Above all, the university community must be open to new and diverse challenges and dare to tackle all the issues that diverse universities need and should tackle. I am offering myself to be a rector who promotes equality and inclusion in a diverse university where all people can benefit.
